Barley Farmers Honor Brewers, Beer Importers

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Barley Growers Association (NBGA) presented their 2013 “Friend of Barley” award to the Beer Institute, representing the American brewing and beer importing industry. Beer Institute President Joe McClain accepted the award during NBGA’s summer board meeting in Las Vegas on June 12.

“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of America’s brewers and beer importers. From grain to glass, brewers work closely with barley farmers to give our consumers the very best beer we can,” McClain said. “Every year, U.S. brewers purchase 4.8 billion pounds of barley malt grown in just 12 states. It’s safe to say that our industries reply upon each other. After all, without barley, there would be no beer.”

The Beer Institute and its major member companies have partnered with the NBGA to work on common issues in both state capitals and in Washington, DC. The U.S. is in the top ten of the largest barley producing countries in the world. In the 2012-2013 growing season, 3.6 million acres of barley were planted in the U.S.

“Joe McClain’s leadership and support of our organization over the past year was second to none. He has created a synergy between our industries that did not exist before. The NBGA was honored to present this award to Joe,” said NBGA President Scott Brown. “It was a privilege for me to recognize the work of the Beer Institute on behalf of U.S. barley farmers.”

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The Beer Institute, established in 1986, is the national trade association for the brewing industry, representing both large and small brewers, as well as importers and industry suppliers. The Institute is committed to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility: www.BeerInstitute.org.